Force simulator highlights challenges facing law enforcement

In a dark room upstairs at the Ben Clark Training Center in Riverside, a large screen projected real-life situations police officers face in the line of duty. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department welcomed our news team. Cpl. Bill Cuddy gave us a set of weapons modified to simulate live rounds with lasers and we started the training.

The Force Options Simulator aims to train officers and give media and the public a better understanding of how quickly things can escalate between officers and suspects. Every police officer in the state is required to complete the training at least every two years. They work with real dash-cam videos and others based on everyday scenarios.

The adrenaline rush, plus my nerves and lack of training with the weapons, I couldn’t help but jump the gun.

“Force seems easy; it’s not,” said Cpl. Bill Cuddy. “It’s fear. We become afraid just like everyone else. When we perceive we’re about to be in a battle, our heart rate sky rockets. Our brain takes over preparing for battle.”

Cuddy helps Riverside County sheriff’s deputies work through their fears and make split-second decisions; when to use force and what kind? Officers have the option to use their nightstick, taser, pepper spray or gun. The simulator tracks shots fired and fires back.

“Here we can put them in different scenarios and after the scenario debrief them and make sure they’re within policy and state law with the force they use,” said Cuddy.

When civilians see police using force, it often triggers outrage.

“We are such in the public eye and public scrutiny than any other profession out there,” said Sgt. Andy Stonebreaker.

Some of that harsh scrutiny is the aftermath of recent controversial and often deadly encounters between citizens and police. Stonebreaker said rightfully so, some officers cross the line or make mistakes, and that’s what this training tries to prevent.

“Whether it’s intentional or unintentional, all I would ask is please don’t judge the entire family of law enforcement by the actions of one,” Stonebreaker said.

To build trust, the sheriff’s department said communication between law enforcement, the public and media is key.

“This communication has to be intense and ongoing. I don’t think we’ve done a very good job over the last several years,” said Cuddy.

The sheriff’s dept. welcomes the public to the training center to experience the Force Options Simulator firsthand. To schedule a simulator training, call Cpl. Bill Cuddy at 951-830-4936.